I've Recently Had my First Tattoo Removal Laser Session Done and I Have Seen VERY Minimal Results, Is that Typical?

Laser used is AlexTriVantage Various shades of black colored tattoo Little to no difference after 5 weeks of first treatment Tan/olive skin complexion Have not tanned or smoked since first treatment Have been following proper aftercare instructions Tattoo area is shoulder blade/back/ and rib cage area 550$ per treatment

Doctor Answers 9

Typical results after one laser tattoo removal session

May 21st, 2012

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Removing a tattoo is a long process with many treatments. You will not begin to see results after one treatment. On some tattoos, it can take between 10-15 treatments to remove a tattoo. It depends on the ink and the settings of the laser. It is important to be patient and give it time.

Results From Laser Tattoo Removal

February 12th, 2012

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Black ink actually absorbs all light wavelengths. Therefore it is the easiest to remove. However the shading involved does make the design slightly more difficult to remove. Besides the factors you mentioned, the number of treatments are also contingent on other factors such as the amount of ink, layering and the presence of any scarring or tissue changes. Practitioners are usually very cautious with darker skin tones to avoid the risk of overheating.

One Tattoo Removal Treatment May Not Visibly Show Results, But Ink Has Been Removed

October 27th, 2014

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Laser tattoo removal takes time and many sessions are needed — sometimes 5-10 or more — even with black ink, although we hope this works faster in many instances. During your consultation, you should have been informed this and that after the first session, you may not see "tons" of ink removal — this is not uncommon. Sometimes there is more than you think — and photos can document your process, but don't despair. Keep going, and this will work for you.

Tattoo Removal Pictures

Minimal change

July 7th, 2015

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yes even with the Picosure laser, which is the top of the line laser which we use in our clinic, there can be only subtle changes after the first treatment. Don't fear, it will get better with further treatments. I will often offer free treatments if there is not complete resolution after 6 treatments

Yes, multiple treatments are needed.

July 28th, 2014

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What you are experiencing is common... many treatments are needed over many many months. This is compounded by the size of the tattoo ( Back, blade/ rib), location, and most importantly your skin type. Tattoo removal is especially difficult in patients with skin of colour,

Results after Laser Tattoo Treatment?

January 28th, 2012

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Thank you for the question.

Yes, your experience is not unusual. Every patient has a different reaction to the laser tattoo treatment; sometimes several treatments are necessary before significant results are seen. The degree of change seen will depend on the depth of the ink and the settings of the laser... it is very likely that the energy use will be increased during your next treatment.

Black tattoo ink is hard to treat

February 2nd, 2012

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Black tattoo ink is very hard to treat and you are looking at many, many treatments to see results. Laser tattoo removal in general is very difficult and your tattoo will never be completely gone with any of the lasers on the market today. It's unfortunate, I know, but lasers have a long way to go in treating tattoos. One treatment will not yield noticeable results, and I'm sorry for that, but I'd say you are looking at a minimum of 8 treatments to see any lightening and blurring of the image. You're in for the long haul, but your results, are sadly, very normal.

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